Duty First, Love Never | Star Wars | Obi-Wan Kenobi x OC

Dispute on Ryloth: Part 3

Later that evening, Eesla approached Master Yoda in his room.

“Master, There's something I would like to discuss.”

“On the incident yesterday, I presume?”

“Yes Master.”

“A disturbance in the Force, there is.”

“Master, these explosions, not just the one yesterday, but all of them, I feel they were part of someone’s calculated move to ignite a civil war in Ryloth. No one in their right mind would have dared instigated this in our presence. We also know that despite all the constant disagreement, the senator and Rebellion have one thing in common which is the wellbeing of their people.”

Master Yoda nodded. "Something much larger and darker, there is."

“Please let me investigate this issue. There’s someone out there who wants this war to happen. If we find out who is it, we stand a better chance at stopping this and negotiating a viable solution for both sides.”

“Know what you need to do, you do. But move fast, you must. Time is of the essence.”

Eesla bowed deeply. “Thank you Master. I won’t let you down.”

Hurrying back to her room, she scribbled a note on a scrap of paper and passed it to a handmaiden, asking her to sought out her newly found confidant in Ryloth – Ethios. Both agreed to meet up in the pavillion where they had spent time earlier at nightfall.

***

“Thank you for willing to meet up with me at this late hour, Ethios. I didn't know who else to speak to.” she said.

“It’s nothing. If there’s anything I can help, please let me know.”

“The bombings that happened, I was wondering whether there were any reports I could go through?"

"Do you know anything already?"

"No." She shook her head sadly. "But I have my suspicions. I just need to pursue some new leads."

"Okay, give me some time. I'll get you everything you need."

"Thank you." Eesla smiled gratefully.

"No, thank you. The deeds you do for Ryloth will not go unforgotten."

"I think it's best we save the thanks till I actually find out who's behind these attacks."

When Eesla was back in her room, she found Obi-Wan sitting in a chair, impatient and vexed.

"Where have you been?" He stood up, walking towards her.

"Around." Eesla answered simply.

"Eesla... you should be careful."

"It's nothing." She replied off-handedly.

"Have you been seeing that man again?" He pressed.

"If you mean Ethios then yes."

"Are you ignoring my advice?" He asked again, sounding irate.

"No. I'm not ignoring it. Let's just call it trusting my judgement." Eesla responded in a cold voice, indicating an end to the conversation.

Obi-Wan looked as though he wanted to say something, but closed his mouth and left the room.

Eesla exhaled with relief when he left. It had become increasingly difficult to communicate with Obi-Wan. She felt that there was already too many undealt ruptures and conflicts in their friendship for them to be able go back to the good times.